Jethro's temporary office walls were thin, and everyone heard every word of our tense conversation. It had been a war zone in there, and my self-respect was in tatters after his wrath. I dragged myself back to my desk, still reeling from his earlier fury."You okay?" Misha looked at me with concern etched on her face.I swallowed a sniffle and masked my sorrow with a pretense of indifference. "I'm fine," I declared with an ugly smile that was far from convincing."Mr. Jethro went overboard. It was just a design proposal. Was such an outburst necessary?" Misha muttered as she glanced at Jethro’s office."It's best if we just stick to our work. Complaining could land you in hot water next," I advised, my tone carrying an undertone of protectiveness for Jethro despite everything.Misha took the hint and promptly went back to her tasks.My mind was a whirlwind, incapable of conjuring any design. Inspiration eluded me though the new proposal was due by day's end. My mind was as blank
This was the second time he was suggesting that I leave the firm. Was this his intention all along?I stifled my tears and chose not to respond with anger. It took a lot of effort before I could steady myself and respond without my voice betraying my emotions. "Understood. I'll keep refining the design until it meets your expectations."If his intention was to make me quit, I refused to cave. No matter how difficult he made things for me, I would strive to meet his demands.Appearing content with my level-headed response, Jethro offered me an indifferent glance and silence. Not wanting to spend another second in his presence, I planned to exit his office. "If there’s nothing more, sir, I'll be heading home for the day,” I said.But as fate would have it, my phone chose that moment to ring.It was Ignatz, and my pulse quickened, especially with Jethro within earshot. His piercing gaze locked onto me, his sharp intellect likely deducing the caller's identity from my expression. I
Jethro silently stared at the key in my hand, his thoughts beyond my comprehension. When he made no move to take it, I placed it on the table and headed for the door, dragging my suitcase behind me."Serena, you will willingly become my woman."His words, calm yet unfathomable, reached me just as I was about to step through the doorway.I halted and turned to face him, but all I could make out was his silhouette against the dim light. The implications of his words eluded me, but this wasn't the time to ponder them. With much effort, I quelled my inner chaos and walked out.When I got to Summer's place, I found her making dinner. It was the first time she had done so since her breakup. I wondered if she was truly moving on or just putting on a brave face for me. I lugged my suitcase to my old room before joining her in the kitchen."I haven’t been out these past few days, so we're out of groceries. We'll just have to make do tonight," Summer said apologetically while stirring the c
I was embarrassed to bring Ignatz to such a simple place on our first outing, but high-end establishments were simply beyond my budget."Sorry we’re dining at such a casual place," I said awkwardly, struggling to make eye contact with him."Don't worry, I'm quite fond of this spot. It takes me back to the food stalls I used to frequent with my ex-college classmates. Those were good times." Ignatz smiled reassuringly, making it clear he didn't look down on the modest venue.Whether he truly felt that way, I couldn't tell, but his consideration touched me. Though our relationship was still fresh and we were practically strangers, his genuine approach to our budding connection was endearing."Mr. Attorney, since Rina is treating us today, perhaps next time it’ll be your turn. You two have known each other long enough, and as her best friend, I think I deserve a little bribe, right?" Summer teased as she turned to Ignatz."We shouldn't expect others to always treat us, Summer," I inte
In Summer’s eyes, Ignatz was the epitome of the perfect man and exceptionally suitable for me. I knew that she just wanted me to find happiness quickly and had my best interests at heart, but it felt like something crucial was missing between Ignatz and me."I get what you're trying to say. I’m even more eager to get married than you are right now. Look at me, I’m not getting any younger. I’ll soon be labeled an old spinster." I sighed helplessly, preferring not to dwell on this subject. I was acutely aware of my advancing age and the looming shadow of spinsterhood.Hearing my tone of resignation, Summer lowered her head and resumed eating, offering no further argument. It was then that Ignatz returned."I'm sorry, Rina, but an unexpected issue came up with a case I’m working on. I need to discuss it with the client. I will not be able to stay with you for the rest of dinner," Ignatz said with an apologetic look."It's okay. Work comes first. Go ahead," I responded. Somehow, his im
As the couple drew closer, I noticed that the woman with him was dressed rather provocatively, and her fashionable attire hinted at wealth. Likely in her thirties, she was clearly older than Claude."And why would I care about that? You're my girlfriend, so it's natural for me to want to kiss you. Why should we worry about others?" Claude proclaimed before attempting another kiss with a sleazy grin on his face."Oh, stop it," the woman protested in a playful tone. Despite her verbal resistance, she tilted her head, offering up her red lips.Their public display of affection was surely painful for Summer to watch, and a flicker of hurt crossed her eyes. She had only recently ended things with him, and witnessing the couple’s intimacy stirred her emotions."Hey, you done with your meal? If so, let's leave," I suggested, knowing the scene would only cause Summer more pain. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” seemed fitting for her own good."I'm not done yet. Why must I be the one
Claude froze, clearly shocked by Summer’s slap. It was a while before he reoriented himself. He looked furious when he turned back to her.Summer had always been gentle and accommodating during their relationship and had never so much as raised her voice at him. This sense of disillusionment and unforeseen aggression must have caused him a great shock."You slapped me?" Claude’s expression was as dark as a storm cloud. The gaze he fixed on Summer made it clear he was the type of man who would strike a woman."I hit you because you deserve it, Claude! You cheated me and betrayed me! Hitting you is the least you deserve! I wish I could do more!" Summer screamed as she spiraled out of control.As she spoke, her tears finally broke free and ran down her cheeks. She was in pain, and her heart ached. I didn’t approach to comfort her, knowing this was her moment to vent. Once she released all her hatred for Claude, the anguish would subside.Claude was dumbfounded by Summer's emotional t
“She started all this. They should be the ones worrying about being thrown into jail, not us," Summer said, her characteristic optimism showing. "I hope so." I frowned, thinking I should put more faith in the law. When we got to the station, two cops led Summer and me to the interrogation room while Claude and that woman were taken aside. We took our seats as the cops watched us. They didn't look like they wanted to ask questions. "Sir, the woman started it. What we did was self-defense—" Summer started."Quiet! It's not up to you to decide the truth of how it started!" one of the cops snapped. "But aren't we here to give our accounts? Why else are we in the interrogation room?" she retorted. "This is a police station. You're in the presence of the law. I urge you to stick to the rules and obey authority instead of trying to be a Karen," the cop shot back coldly.Summer might not look it, but she had a rather explosive temper, and this certainly sparked her fuse. She leaped
I knew that nothing I said to the contrary was going to convince Jethro otherwise. All he cared about now was protecting his little princess. "Okay then, I'll be waiting for you at home. Don't work overtime tonight, okay?""Got it! I'll be home soon," he agreed smilingly. I was sure he’d have gone home with me straight away if it weren't for work.Doris was already waiting by the time I got home. She looked both excited and assured. "So? Pregnant, right?""You nailed it!" I laughed."Oh dear! Seren’s going to get a sibling soon!" she chirped. I shook my head helplessly. I should’ve been the happiest one, but the Willows were just one-upping me one after another right now. I smiled at Doris. "I'm a little tired, so I'll be in my room.""Go, go. I'll get the housekeeper to make something nutritious for you," Doris replied. Jethro came home a lot earlier than usual. He had a large bouquet of roses with him too. I couldn’t recall when was the last time he gave me flowers."Is thi
Mason chuckled dryly. "Well, well. Working hard, huh? You’re expecting again."I felt guilty for having asked him for help now. It was as if I was putting salt on his wound. I avoided his gaze and decided to go around him. "Umm, if it inconveniences you, then I wouldn't mind joining the line. See ya."He frowned and stepped in my way. He smiled. "I've already made the arrangements, Serena. Just go."Despite his smile, I could tell Mason was simply hiding his feelings. I sighed. I didn't want to hurt him, but he never seemed to change. He kept doing things for me, and I was simultaneously moved and frustrated by his loyalty. But I could only ever love Jethro. I could never reciprocate Mason’s feelings. I silently followed him into the consultation room. A while later, the doctor confirmed that I was pregnant. I felt as though I had soared to the sky, and I wondered how Jethro would feel about this. Mason was by my side the entire time, so naturally, he was privy to the news. I fa
I woke up the next morning feeling like a well-wrung-out-rag. I had gotten home late, and Jethro kept me up till the wee hours of the morning. I had only fallen asleep just before dawn.Restless, I turned to look at Jethro who was deep asleep and felt slightly resentful. He had worn me out last night, yet here he was, sleeping peacefully without a care. I sat up and gently nudged him awake. Even though he had exhausted me, he was the one who had truly exerted himself, so he was certainly even more tired than I was.Jethro opened his eyes groggily, asking sleepily. "What’s wrong?""Do you even have to ask?" I retorted."Did I not satisfy you last night? Well, are you up for more then?" he teased.I stared at him, dumbfounded. Why was he always thinking such thoughts? When had I ever hinted that I wanted another round?Irritated, I shot him a glance and decided to get out of bed to wash up. While I brushed my teeth, I suddenly felt a wave of nausea. I found this strange. I hadn't e
Jethro’s anger ebbed away upon hearing my words, though his face continued to carry a trace of annoyance."That's more like it. Remember, if this happens again, you’re never leaving the house ever again," he warned.I wasn't upset that he was angry. I understood it was because he cared about me. I would’ve felt the same if the roles were reversed. After all, worry was a byproduct of care."Were you waiting up for me?" I asked, realizing Jethro was still up in the living room though it was well past two in the morning."What else would I be doing?" he replied in a mix of irritation and relief."Geez, I've already apologized. Let's not dwell on this," I responded playfully, trying to defuse the tension. "Let's head to bed. I'm exhausted," I suggested, more than ready to end the evening. Taking his hand, I led us toward the bedroom.Sensing my weariness, Jethro followed without further comment. After a soothing shower, I felt much better despite the physical exhaustion. My mood, how
"You just implied that it wouldn’t matter if you faced such trauma again. If that's what you think, I might as well help it happen!" I said to Jolene, purposefully using harsh words to instill fear in her. My goal was to shock her into realizing the gravity of her actions. My real concern was for Evelyn—Jolene’s recklessness was causing Evelyn undue stress."Let me go, Serena! You’re insane!" Jolene protested, but I continued to tug at her, undeterred by her panic and anger. I wanted to teach her a lesson for her lack of empathy and respect."I'm the crazy one? It seems like you’re the one who has lost your mind, Jolene! Can’t you see what you’re doing to your mom? If you can’t handle life's challenges, then stop causing her pain!" Driven by frustration, I dragged her outside.Jolene then managed to break free, retreating and glaring at me fearfully. "Get the hell away from me! I don't wanna see you!" she yelled, visibly shaken.Seeing her sufficiently alarmed, I stopped, fixing he
"Seeing Jojo like this is breaking my heart.” Evelyn held my hand, her face marked by deep sorrow."I know you're upset, but don't worry, I'll talk some sense into her." Seeing Evelyn's distress, I felt uneasy. Though I was reluctant to interfere in Jolene's life, I couldn't ignore Evelyn's pain.I waited at Evelyn's house until late at night before Jolene finally returned. It was almost one in the morning, and my irritation surged upon seeing her. Jolene, reeking of alcohol, was a far cry from her former self. Her transformation was stark. Dressed provocatively and caked in heavy makeup, she resembled a hooker more than a member of a respectable family.I marched over to her "Jolene," I called out, unable to hide my annoyance.She stopped and faced me. She asked in a hostile tone, "What are you doing here at this hour?""Waiting for you." I faced her with a frosty demeanor."Waiting for me? I'm tired and have no interest in talking to you." Impatiently, Jolene turned to head ups
Lianna stared at Jethro tearfully, her voice laden with pain. "But I still love you. You once promised to love me forever. Why has that promise changed?""I might still harbor those feelings if we hadn't parted ways. But time changes emotions, and what we had can't be rekindled," Jethro replied, his tone reflecting a seriousness I hadn't seen in him before."Don't leave me, Jethro, please. I know I was wrong to leave you for money. Give me another chance. I can bring back the love we once had,” Lianna pleaded, clutching at Jethro's arm.Standing by the sidelines, I watched the scene expressionlessly. I wasn't worried because I knew Jethro would never return to her. His heart belonged to me now.Jethro withdrew his arm, and his gaze toward Lianna was cold and distant. "I’ve said all there is to say. Our relationship ends here. From now on, please stay out of my life. Stop bothering me," he stated firmly, then took my hand and walked out of the room, leaving Lianna behind.In the ca
The blood test was swiftly completed, but we had to wait three days for the paternity test results. Mason assured us he would notify us as soon as they were out.As Jethro and I were leaving the hospital, Lianna suddenly called out, "Jethro!” Her face was pale and her eyes filled with sadness."What else do you want?" Jethro asked in a detached tone.Lianna glanced at me, then continued, "I just want to ask you one thing. If Robin is your son, will you acknowledge him? Have you ever considered accepting us back into your life?""If he's my child, I'll take responsibility. But if not, please stay out of my life forever."Jethro was extremely serious as he spoke, his gaze toward Lianna emotionless. Her tears flowed as she listened to him, her expression becoming even more pained."Fine. If he isn’t your child, I’ll leave with him. But I’m certain he’s your child because you're the only man I've ever been with!" After saying this emotionally charged statement, Lianna sped off.Watc
"Are you being completely honest, Rina? You're not covering for this brat, are you? If he has an illegitimate child, I'll break his legs!" Raymond's gaze shifted to me, his disbelief apparent.I was taken aback by Raymond's words but also felt a sense of solidarity. It was clear he was supporting me."It’s the truth, Grandpa. I guarantee that the child Lianna has isn’t Jethro's. If you doubt him, surely you’ll believe me, right? If that boy were Jethro’s, would I be calmly discussing this with you now?" I said."Then we'll wait for the test results.” Seemingly somewhat convinced by my assurance, he gave Jethro a cold snort and looked away.Jethro frowned, clearly unhappy, but he remained silent. Witnessing the family's united front against him was oddly gratifying for me. Back in our bedroom, I felt pretty upbeat and couldn’t help humming a tune. Though Lianna's child wasn’t Jethro's, the recent tensions had weighed on me heavily. Seeing the family rally around me felt like a small